Learn Portuguese (Portugal): A professora é muito simpática.

A professora é muito simpática.

The teacher (f) is very nice.

Breakdown of A professora é muito simpática.

Questions & Answers about A professora é muito simpática.

Why do we use é here instead of está?

We use é (from the verb ser) because being nice is described here as a permanent personality trait of the teacher. We use ser for inherent characteristics, whereas estar is used for temporary states or moods.

How do we know to use simpática instead of simpático?

Adjectives in Portuguese must match the gender of the person or thing they describe. Because a professora is a feminine noun, the masculine dictionary form simpático changes its ending to an -a.

Why doesn't the word muito change to match the feminine noun?

When muito means very and describes an adjective (like simpática), it acts as an adverb. Adverbs never change their spelling. The word muito only changes its ending when it means much or many and describes a noun (like muitas professoras for many teachers).

Does simpática mean sympathetic?

No, this is a common false friend for English speakers! In Portuguese, simpática means nice, friendly, or likable. If you want to say someone is sympathetic or understanding, you would use a word like compreensiva.